Paul Green’s family speak of their agony after NRL legend’s death

Paul Green’s grief-stricken family have told of their “great sadness” as they prepare to farewell him at his beloved home rugby league ground where he first made his name.

Paul Green’s family have told of their “great sadness” as they prepare to farewell him at his beloved home rugby league ground where he first made his name.

Green’s grief-stricken loved ones gathered yesterday to plan his public funeral, expected to be held as early as August 23 at Kougari Oval where the league icon played with and coached the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls to premiership glory.

Paul Green pictured with his father Ned and brother Rick.

Paul Green’s family have spoken of their grief after his passing.

The ceremony is expected to be livestreamed and beamed on a big screen to a packed crowd, including some of the biggest names in sport, business and politics.

“It will be a celebration of the awesome life Paul lived and the wonderful things he did for people – that’s certainly what we’re focused on,” Green’s brother Rick said.

Then Cowboys coach Paul Green with wife Amanda at the 2016 Cowboys charity ball. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Asked how the family was holding up, Rick said: “Everyone is feeling overwhelmed.”

“There’s certainly a lot of stories that we’re sharing about our times with Paul but as we reflect on those good times, there’s a great sadness at his passing,” he said.

“It’s still very raw and difficult to process.”

Rick said the funeral would be held the Tuesday after next or on August 30 and was deliberately planned for early in the week to cater for the rugby league community “because that was such a huge part of his life”.

The funeral plans were revealed as Green’s close mates told of their last conversations with the NRL premiership-winning coach – including a message which hauntingly went unanswered.

Paul Green’s brother has spoken of the family’s agony following his death.